Obermayer Lake dam
Obermayer Lake
Obermayer Lake, located in Lincoln, Montana, is a privately owned water resource managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). This Earth dam, completed in 1950, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and as a small fish pond. With a dam height of 15 feet and a storage capacity of 69 acre-feet, Obermayer Lake plays a vital role in supporting the local ecosystem and providing water for various uses in the area.
Situated near Long Creek and surrounded by the picturesque landscape of Yaak, Obermayer Lake has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of its condition assessment. While specific details such as spillway type, surface area, and drainage area are not provided, the lake continues to serve its intended purposes effectively. As a popular spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts, Obermayer Lake offers a serene setting for recreation and appreciation of the natural environment.
Despite its remote location, Obermayer Lake remains a valuable asset in the region, contributing to fire protection efforts and ensuring water availability for livestock and wildlife. With a long history dating back to the mid-20th century, this man-made reservoir continues to be a key feature in the local landscape, reflecting the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climate conditions. As enthusiasts explore the area, they can appreciate the beauty and functionality of Obermayer Lake while recognizing the need for continued stewardship to preserve its ecological integrity.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
- Fair
- No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action.
- Poor
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency.
- Unsatisfactory
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
- Not Rated
- The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
- Significant
- Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
- Low
- Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
- Undetermined
- Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Obermayer Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Kootenai River At Leonia Id | 13,900 cfs | → |
| Yaak River Near Troy Mt | 1,380 cfs | → |
| Kootenai River Bel Moyie River Nr Bonners Ferry Id | 15,600 cfs | → |
| Moyie River At Eastport Id | 1,610 cfs | → |
| Tobacco River Near Eureka Mt | 388 cfs | → |
| Kootenai River @ Tribal Hatchery Nr Bonners Ferry | 15,700 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Obermayer Lake.
Boat launches
- National Forest Development Road 2394 Lincoln County
- Peck Gulch Road Lincoln County
- Us 2 Lincoln County
- Rocky Gorge Road Lincoln County
- Sophie Lake Road Lincoln County
- National Forest Development Road 333 Lincoln County
Campgrounds
Fishing spots
Paddle runs
- Vinal Creek System
- West Fork Yaak River
- Copeland Creek And South Fork, Sec. 4, T34n, R30w To Upstream 1.8 Miles
- North And South Fork Of Big Creek To Upstream To Drop Creek, Sec. 29, T34n, R30w
- North Fork, Sec. 28, T35n, R30w To Upstream For 6 Miles
More reservoirs
Track Obermayer Lake in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Obermayer Lake
Where does the data for Obermayer Lake come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Obermayer Lake.